If the organization Hip-Hop Union does not sound familiar, there may be a reason: It is about 3 weeks old. But the group has acted quickly in executing its first major event, Vanderbilt’s first Hip-Hop Week.

After speakers, a panel discussion, film screenings and even sneaker displays and wire tosses, the group is looking forward to the week’s climax: a performance by Spoken Word Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m. in Kissam Quad.

Saturday, the week will conclude with a block party featuring mini-workshops in graffiti and break dancing from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Student Life Center. At 11 a.m. Vibe will host free dance lessons at the Memorial Gym dance studios.

The hip-hop group hopes the week will change many of the ideas they see as misconceptions of hip-hop around campus.

“I think a lot of people stereotype hip-hop and think that it is just rap,” said sophomore Samantha Aaron. “They think it is negative and it doesn’t have a bigger purpose.”

And she blames exposure for the problem.

“Vanderbilt University isn’t exposed to hip-hop culture,” she said, “and we need to show different outlets of hip-hop expression.”

Sophomore Michael Romeo stressed that the earlier parts of hip-hop culture are frequently lost in the mainstream versions of the genre.

“Some people don’t think hip-hop has the right to be called a movement,” Romeo said . “This comes from artists like Soulja Boy.”

Hip-Hop Union decided to take matters into their own hands to show the campus community more of the true nature of hip-hop.

“The idea for the group originated last year by a student who wanted to help bring the elements of hip-hop culture together under one organization,” Romeo said.

And it’s beginning to draw in other members of the student body.

“I decided to join the group because I enjoy hip-hop, and I didn’t feel like there was an organization that was dedicated to that kind of expression on campus,” Aaron said.

Spoken Word member Mike Morana agreed, saying the remaining events should be exciting and a great way for students to learn about the lesser-known elements of the movement.

“I wish Vanderbilt students (would) come away with a new understanding,” Aaron said.

—Sydney Wilmer can be reached at sydney.e.wilmer@vanderbilt.edu